- Attraction: Stateline Drive-In Theatre
- Location: 3690 Highway 19 E, Elizabethton, TN 37643
- Industry: Drive-In Theater
- Website: https://statelinedrivein.com/
At Stateline Drive-In Theatre, you’re not just watching a movie—you’re stepping into a piece of Tennessee history.
This family-owned gem has been screening films since 1947, making it one of the state’s oldest continuously operating drive-ins.
What makes this place truly special is how it balances authentic vintage charm with surprisingly crisp digital projection quality, all while maintaining the wallet-friendly prices and genuine small-town hospitality that keep families coming back generation after generation.
The theatre sits right in Carter County’s northeast corner, aptly named for its proximity to both the Virginia and North Carolina state lines. Open seasonally from April through October, it operates Friday through Sunday evenings, with movies starting at dusk.
There’s something magical about watching the screen light up as darkness falls, surrounded by mountains and the soft chatter of families settling in for the night’s entertainment.
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The Setting: You’ll find yourself in a genuinely nostalgic atmosphere enhanced by stunning mountain views that create a picturesque backdrop.
The spacious grounds accommodate around 250 cars, and the layout makes parking straightforward—you can navigate easily without the congestion you’d find at larger venues. The retro marquee out front immediately signals you’re in for a classic experience.
Digital Quality: Here’s where tradition meets technology. Back in 2013, the theatre faced potential closure when film studios transitioned to digital formats and old reel-to-reel projectors became obsolete.
The community rallied, submitting thousands of votes in a national contest, and Stateline won one of only eight digital projectors awarded by Honda Corporation to small drive-ins across America.
The result?
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Discover MoreYou get sharp, crisp images on the big screen—a far cry from the grainy projections some might remember from drive-ins past. The picture quality genuinely impresses first-time visitors who expect something more rudimentary.
Audio Setup: You tune your car radio to the designated FM frequency to catch the soundtrack. The sound quality comes through clear and strong, letting you control your own volume.
Some folks even bring portable radios if they want to sit outside their vehicles. It’s a simple system that works beautifully.
Viewing Options: The beauty of a drive-in is flexibility. You can watch from inside your car with the AC running on warm nights, or many people back their trucks in and set up chairs or blankets in the bed for an open-air experience.
Just remember to turn off your headlights once you’re parked—nothing ruins the magic faster than blinding the cars around you.
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Classic Drive-In Fare: The concession stand serves up all the movie theater staples you’d expect—fresh popcorn with that irresistible buttery aroma, candy selections, nachos, and hot dogs.
What sets it apart is the pricing: you’ll find concessions noticeably more affordable than what you’d pay at a traditional indoor cinema. The popcorn is a particular favorite, perfectly seasoned and served in generous portions.
The Dr. Enuf Experience: Here’s a true local specialty you won’t want to miss—frozen Dr. Enuf drinks. Dr. Enuf is a vitamin-enriched lemon-lime soda that’s been a regional favorite since 1949, produced right in nearby Johnson City.
The frozen version at Stateline is like a slushie packed with this unique beverage. It tastes different from typical lemon-lime sodas like Sprite or 7-Up—it has an almost ginger ale-like quality with a distinctive vitamin flavor that locals absolutely love.
If you’re not from East Tennessee, this is your chance to try an authentic piece of Tri-Cities culture.
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Discover MoreSmart Snacking: While the concession stand is reasonably priced and supports the theatre, outside food is typically permitted at most drive-ins, though you should check current policies. Many families pack coolers with drinks and snacks, making it an even more budget-friendly outing.
Atmosphere & Tradition
Small-Town Charm: The entire experience feels wonderfully unpretentious and welcoming. You’re surrounded by families, couples on date nights, and locals who’ve been coming here for decades.
There’s a genuine sense of community—people chat while waiting for the movie to start, kids run around playing before darkness falls, and the whole thing has that easygoing summer evening vibe.
Historical Touch: The property maintains that authentic 1940s drive-in aesthetic with its vintage marquee and straightforward setup.
While there used to be an old-school playground where kids could burn off energy before the movie, it’s been removed, but the nostalgic atmosphere remains strong. You can almost feel the decades of movie magic that have unfolded on this same ground.
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Keep Exploring →Mountain Backdrop: As evening approaches, you’ll notice the Appalachian Mountains silhouetted against the twilight sky. It adds a layer of natural beauty to the whole experience that you simply can’t get at an indoor theater.
On clear nights, stars begin appearing overhead as the movie plays—it’s genuinely romantic and memorable.
Weather Policy: The theatre operates through light rain, which actually adds to the cozy factor of watching from inside your car.
Only in cases of severe storms with dangerous lightning will they pause the film, resuming once it’s safe. This commitment to showing the movie unless truly hazardous means you’re unlikely to have a canceled evening.
Practical Considerations
Incredibly Affordable Pricing: This might be the best entertainment bargain in East Tennessee. Adult admission runs just $6, while kids get in for $2.
Compared to modern multiplex prices that can exceed $15 per person, you’re looking at serious savings—especially for families. A family of four can catch a first-run movie for under $20 before concessions. That value is genuinely hard to beat.
Cash Only: Plan ahead—Stateline doesn’t accept credit or debit cards. There’s an ATM nearby if needed, but bringing cash saves you the hassle and potential fees.
Seasonal Schedule: Remember that this is a seasonal operation running April through October. They’re typically open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings only, with gates opening around 7:50 PM and movies starting at dusk (times vary by season).
Holiday weekends sometimes feature double features, which is an exceptional value.
First-Come Parking: Arriving early ensures you get a prime spot with an optimal viewing angle. The lot fills up on nice weekend evenings, particularly for popular new releases. Give yourself at least 30-45 minutes before showtime to park, grab concessions, and get settled.
Family-Friendly Focus: This is absolutely a place where kids are welcome and expected. It’s genuinely family-oriented, though the single-screen format means you’re limited to whatever movie is playing that night—so check ahead if you have young children to ensure the film is age-appropriate.
Single Screen Selection: Unlike multiplexes, you get one movie choice per night. They typically show first-run Hollywood releases, rotating weekly. This simplicity is part of the charm, though it means less flexibility in what you can watch on any given evening.
Stateline Drive-In Theatre
📍 3690 Highway 19 E, Elizabethton, TN 37643
